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Play couches have finally become available to Australian families after years of swooning the US market. Here is an ultimate comprehensive review expressing why we chose and love our Whatsie play couch.
Whatsie play couch review
Kids are designed to be active.
Children thrive off active engagement with their environment in the early years. They are not meant to be still. In fact, children learn best through active play. Adding movement to their play has been associated with increased school readiness and effectiveness for learning.
I quote Erin K Kenny when I say, “Children can‘t bounce off the walls if we take away the walls”. Getting active outside is more often just the thing to release energy however events of recent years have made this difficult.
Going down to the local park or exploring nature reserves hasn’t been accessible as it previously had been.
What if there was a way.
A way to get kids active, climbing, crawling, jumping, and creating but inside at home.
There is a way.
There had been for years however out of reach for Australians.
Not any more.
The play couch has come to Australia and Aussie families love them!
Since my oldest was a baby I swooned over Instagram accounts, admiring the famous Nugget. Without paying ridiculous shipping fees, that is after winning their lottery to win the chance to purchase one, the Nugget was a playroom… no … let me rephrase. The Nugget was an incredible resource for any room.
Fast forward to the present day. Play couches have hit the Aussie shores and families love them for many good reasons.
Our Whatsie joined our family at the end of last year and there has not been a day that has gone by that it has not been a part of our day.
So many amazing memories have been made.
It has inspired so much play.
The cushions have been a soft landing for jumps and tumbles.
The base pieces have been climbed over like a mountain and ridden like a brachiosaurus.
The modular couch has been transformed into a robot friend and then an underwater cave.
What exactly is a Whatsie play couch?
A Whatsie is whatever you would like it to be.
Essentially the Whatsie is soft play furniture that can be configured in limitless designs. Six individual foam pieces are covered in durable materials that present opportunities for open-ended play.
The Whatsie has been designed with everyone in the family in mind.
Baby can practice sitting up against the supports of the pieces.
This is before shuffling their stocky wobbly legs in place and lifting themselves into the standing position for the first time.
From here they can scoot along, holding onto the edge for support as they take their first steps.
Obstacles can be built for beginner climbers with soft landings at the ready.
As toddlers’ abilities improve, build can become more advanced to suit.
Before too long, your Whatsie will be transformed into dinosaurs of the past, ice cream shops of summer, and bear caves in the dark dark forest.
Your Whatsie will become a place to snuggle up and read a book or laugh while acting out a puppet show. They can be a place to share or have some quiet downtime.
The six foam pieces that make the original Whatsie can be used to configure endless designs. These can be transformed even further with the aid of add-ons also available separately.
Just quietly, I thought I might add that the photo of this Whatsie build above really makes me smile. The crinkles in the fabric show a little journey. Working their way up the wedge, one step, two steps, three steps, four, and then two hand marks made by little Mr 21 months pulling himself up.
What is the difference between the Whatsie Play Couches
The team at Whatsie has a solid selection of play couches to suit most families’ needs. Whether you are tight on space or looking for an outdoor play couch, there is something to suit everyone.
So what are the differences between the Whatsie play couches?
Original Whatsie Play Couch
This is where the Whatsie story began.
What comes in the box?
- The Base: Two thick connected pieces of foam 168cm x 15cm x 84cm
- The Top: Two thinner, connected pieces of foam 168cm x 7.5cm x 84cm
- 2 x Trapezium Prism Cushions: Top 15cm/bottom 35cm (w) x 33cm (h) x 60cm (l)
- 2 x Rectangular Prism Cushions: Two rectangular cushions 15cm x 25cm x 80cm
Available Fabrics
Microsuede
The Whatsie microsuede covers are durable, incredibly soft, stain-resistant, and child-friendly.
They are beautifully lush and running your hands across the fabric can be calming and great for sensory seekers.
The super-soft pile of the fabric shows a touch darker when moved in one way and then lighter in the other.
The Whatsie microsuede covers are cool in summer and cozy and warm in winter.
Microsuede covers are a great option for families with cats. Given there are no loops in the fabric, the microsuede is more resistant to pulls.
The microsuede play couch covers are available in:
- Fairy Pink
- Gingerbread
- Charcoal
- Silver Grey
- Sage
- Sky Blue
Cotton
The cotton blend covers are created with a blend of natural materials. That is 40% ramie and 60% cotton.
These covers are highly sustainable and an eco-friendly choice. This earthborn fiber blend is naturally resistant to bacteria, durable, spill-resistant, beautiful, and resembles the look and feel of a high end fabric couch.
The Whatsie cotton covers are the prime choice for families looking for a play couch that is long-wearing, and durable, while still being modern and stylish.
The cotton play couch covers are available in:
- Koala Grey
- Turtle Teal
- French Navy
- Elephant Grey
- Sea Mist
- Very Violet
- Sandcastle
Outdoor
The outdoor cover is waterproof with Acrylic fabric and water-resistant zippers.
These added features allow your play couch to venture out into the great outdoors and beyond.
Turn them into a car wash with a well-positioned hose or a water tunnel for cool-down fun on hot days.
The outdoor covers transform your Whatsie for play any day, anywhere!
Inside during the cold wet days of winter or outdoors amongst the splish-splash of wet water fun of summer!
Upon arrival, your outdoor Whatsie box will contain vacuum compressed foam and a separate cover which will need to be slipped on.
The outdoor play couch covers are available in:
- Storm
- Cove
- Moss
- Banksia
Whatsie Duo
Whatsie Duo sings all the songs of the Whatsie Original with one exemption.
Rather than thick and thin bases, the Whatsie Duo sports two thick base pieces.
What comes in the box?
- 2 x The Base: Two thick connected pieces of foam 168cm x 15cm x 84cm
- 2 x Trapezium Prism Cushions: Top 15cm/bottom 35cm (w) x 33cm (h) x 60cm (l)
- 2 x Rectangular Prism Cushions: Two rectangular cushions 15cm x 25cm x 80cm
Available Fabrics
Microsuede
The Whatsie microsuede covers are durable, incredibly soft, stain-resistant, and child-friendly.
They are beautifully lush and running your hands across the fabric can be calming and great for sensory seekers.
The super-soft pile of the fabric shows a touch darker when moved in one way and then lighter in the other.
The Whatsie microsuede covers are cool in summer and cozy and warm in winter.
Microsuede covers are a great option for families with cats. Given there are no loops in the fabric, the microsuede is more resistant to pulls.
The microsuede Whatsie Duo play couch covers are available in:
- Fog Grey
- Fairy Pink
- Gingerbread
- Blueberry
- Charcoal
- Sage
- Sky Blue
Cotton
The cotton blend covers are created with a blend of natural materials. That is 40% ramie and 60% cotton.
These covers are highly sustainable and an eco-friendly choice. This earthborn fiber blend is naturally resistant to bacteria, durable, spill-resistant, beautiful, and resembles the look and feel of a high-end fabric couch.
The Whatsie cotton covers are the prime choice for families looking for a play couch that is long-wearing, and durable, while still being modern and stylish.
The cotton play couch covers are available in:
- Koala Grey
- Turtle Teal
- French Navy
- Elephant Grey
- Sea Mist
- Very Violet
- Sandcastle
Outdoor
The outdoor cover is waterproof with Acrylic fabric and water-resistant zippers.
These added features allow your play couch to venture out into the great outdoors and beyond.
Turn them into a car wash with a well-positioned hose or a water tunnel for cool-down fun on hot days.
The outdoor covers transform your Whatsie for play any day, anywhere!
Inside during the cold wet days of winter or outdoors amongst the splish-splash of wet water fun of summer!
Upon arrival, your outdoor Whatsie box will contain vacuum compressed foam and a separate cover which will need to be slipped on.
The outdoor play couch covers are available in:
- Storm
- Cove
- Moss
- Banksia
Whatsie Mini
The Whatsie Mini was designed for play in small spaces. Think all the jumping, balancing, climbing, and imagination, however, apartment size. The Mini also transforms into a ball pit! All of the features are loved in an Original Whatsie but made Mini.
What comes in the box?
- 4 x Side Panels: 84cm (L) x 50cm (W) x 12.5 (H)
- 1 x Middle Mat: 84cm (L) x 84cm (W) x 5cm (H)
- 2 x Trapezoids: 30cm (L)
- 2 x Arm Rests: 50cm (L) x 10cm (W) x 12cm (H)
Available Fabrics
Microsuede
The Whatsie microsuede covers are durable, incredibly soft, stain-resistant, and child-friendly.
They are beautifully lush and running your hands across the fabric can be calming and great for sensory seekers.
The super-soft pile of the fabric shows a touch darker when moved in one way and then lighter in the other.
The Whatsie microsuede covers are cool in summer and cozy and warm in winter.
Microsuede covers are a great option for families with cats. Given there are no loops in the fabric, the microsuede is more resistant to pulls.
The microsuede Whatsie Mini play couch covers are available in:
- Flamingo Pink
- Mermaid Tail Mint
- Blueberry
- Charcoal
- Fog Grey
Cotton
The cotton blend covers are created with a blend of natural materials. That is 40% ramie and 60% cotton.
These covers are highly sustainable and an eco-friendly choice. This earthborn fiber blend is naturally resistant to bacteria, durable, spill-resistant, beautiful, and resembles the look and feel of a high-end fabric couch.
The Whatsie cotton covers are the prime choice for families looking for a play couch that is long-wearing, and durable, while still being modern and stylish.
The cotton Whatsie Mini play couch covers are available in:
- Koala Grey
- Turtle Teal
- French Navy
- Sea Mist
- Very Violet
- Sandcastle
- Elephant Grey
How was Whatsie founded?
Driven to create something that would steer her sons away from screens and into creative and active play, Sydney’s Mum Lisa is the heart and brains behind Whatsie.
With a background in Medical Physics and a passion for helping children learn through open-ended play, Lisa was searching for a special something. That is, a special something her children could invest their boundless energy and imaginations into. And so the Whatsie was born.
Is Whatsie Australian owned?
Whatsie is an Australian-owned small business based in Sydney, New South Wales.
What colours does Whatsie come in?
Whatsies come in a huge range of colours to suit any decor. Whether you are looking for neutrals, earthy tones or brights, there is a Whatsie colour to blend in or stand out for you.
What are the differences between the Whatsie fabrics?
Microsuede
The Whatsie microsuede covers are durable, incredibly soft, stain-resistant, and child-friendly.
They are beautifully lush and running your hands across the fabric can be calming and great for sensory seekers.
The super-soft pile of the fabric shows a touch darker when moved in one way and then lighter in the other.
The Whatsie microsuede covers are cool in summer and cozy and warm in winter.
Microsuede covers are a great option for families with cats. Given there are no loops in the fabric, the microsuede is more resistant to pulls.
Cotton
The cotton blend covers are created with a blend of natural materials. That is 40% ramie and 60% cotton.
These covers are highly sustainable and an eco-friendly choice. This earthborn fiber blend is naturally resistant to bacteria, durable, spill-resistant, beautiful, and resembles the look and feel of a high-end fabric couch.
The Whatsie cotton covers are the prime choice for families looking for a play couch that is long-wearing, and durable, while still being modern and stylish.
Is Whatsie waterproof?
The outdoor covers are made from waterproof acrylic and water-resistant zippers.
To protect the inner foam pieces, waterproof covers are available for original, duo, and trio play couches.
These waterproof liners are designed to use under the fabric covers. They protect the foam pieces from liquid spills (toilet training anyone?) and dust mites. Each set contains covers for the base pieces, trapeziums, and rectangular armrests.
Can Whatsie play couches be used outdoors?
In 2021, Whatsie released a play couch specifically made for use outdoors.
Essentially it is the covers that give the outdoor Whatsie the added protection to stand up against the outdoors. The covers are made from waterproof acrylic and water-resistant zippers.
Outdoor varieties of the Whatsie Original and Whatsie Duo are available.
Do you already have the play couch?
You can transform your existing styles to outdoors by purchasing the outdoor covers separately.
What age children are playing couches for?
Play couches have no restrictions!
Whether your baby is having tummy time or your teen is slumping with a comic and music, the Whatsie really is for the whole family.
In saying that, please do not sleep baby on any play couch and always supervise your baby.
What Whatsie add-ons are available?
Whatsie is always releasing additional shapes to add extra elements of play and creativity to your builds.
Roller and Spot Set
Two rollers and two spots come in this mini set of best seller add ons. The rollers are amazing for balancing, using as supports for builds, rolling back and forth upon and so much more!
Spots are versatile steering wheels, stepping stones, eyes and steps!
Rollers measure 80cm (l) x 25cm (d)
Spots measure 10 cm (h) x 35cm (d)
Crash Mat
At 120 cm long by 120 cm wide and 30 cm high the Crash Mat is perfect for both landing and lounging on.
Filled with lots of small foam pieces, the crash mat makes for a soft and safe landing target for your daring jumpers.
The foam pieces are encased in a waterproof cover. This is then encased within a separate fabric cover.
Spots
The spots are a set of two round cushions. They measure 35cm in width and 8cm high. They are perfect to add extra to imaginative play and as decor. Our spots have been the wheels of trucks, the eyes of a chameleon, and stepping stones across an obstacle course.
Spots are available in microsuede, outdoor, boucle, and cotton fabrics.
Crawl Wall
The Crawl Wall can be used on its own as a stand-alone piece or to enhance builds with your play couch.
The Crawl Wall is made up of 2 separate pieces:
- The Wall: The wall is a trifold thick base piece measuring 168 cm in length and 15 cm thick. The central section has an arch door cut out which is 42 cm wide and 60 cm high.
- The door: An arch piece measuring 42 cm wide and 60 cm high.
This versatile add-on is the same thickness as the thicker base of the Original and the Duo.
It can be used to add a door to your knights’ fort, garden pixies tree house, or as a portal to another dimension.
The crawl wall is currently available in cotton.
Rainbow
As a nest of three arches, the Rainbow is a versatile add-on that can be used in so many different ways. Stack them, climb them, rock on them, or ride them. The rainbow can be transformed from a mountain to a pony, or a boat to the speediest slug in the south!
The largest rainbow arch: 105cm (L) x 52.5cm (H) x 40cm (W)
The middle rainbow arch: 67cm (L) x 40cm (W)
The smallest rainbow arch: 29cm (L) x 40cm (W)
The Whatsie rainbow is made with cotton blend fabric with each rainbow being a different colour.
There are two earthy colour collections to choose from; beige or green.
Stackable Stairs
Two seperate pieces that can be stacked upon each other to create the perfect set of stairs!
Use the Stackable Stairs as a stand alone play piece or incorporate them into your next play couch build.
Perfect for displaying cars, becoming a monsters teeth or the step to the royal queens throne. What will it be at your place?
- Longer steps: Consists of 2 steps 12.5 cm (h) x 80 cm (l) x 60 cm (w)
- Shorter steps: Consists of 2 steps 12.5 cm (h) x 40 cm (l) x 60 cm (w)
The Stackable Steps are available in cotton or microsuede.
Mega Flip Slide
Is it a rectangular cushion or a wedge shaped cushion? The Mega Flip Slide is both!
This versatile add on can be used as a stand alone piece of equipment or enhance your play couch build. When folded, it takes on the shape or a rectangular prism. However once opened out, it makes the perfect shape for creating a ramp, bridge, ball run, slide and so much more!
The Mega Flip Slide measures
Triangle: 50 cm (h) x 80 cm (l) x 60 cm (w).
Rectangle: 50 cm (h) x 40 cm (l) x 60 cm (w)
The Mega Flip Slide is available in cotton and microsuede fabrics.
Arch
The Arch is made of denser foam to provide even more opportunities to build and play. The handle gives extra support to its rider and makes moving it around a breeze.
The Arch measures: 80cm (L) x 40cm (W) x 25cm (H) and is available in cotton and microsuede fabrics.
How to clean your play couch
It is no secret that with kids come grubby little mittens and accidents are bound to happen. The team at Whatsie is aware of this and has created covers that are machine washable and a breeze to clean.
Spot clean small marks with a damp cloth.
For bigger messes or maintenance, simply remove the covers and place the into your washing machine on a gentle cold water cycle. Once clean, hang the covers in the shade for them to dry.
To provide even more protection, waterproof covers can be put onto the cushions underneath the fabric covers.
Pets and Whatsie
Our pets are a huge part of our family.
No, really. There are so many of them!
That being said, they are more often than not, a part of our everyday. The kids love reading to their cat, and snuggling their guinea pigs.
Thankfully the Whatsie covers are so easy to clean. Pet hair is easily vacuumed and on the occasion when there has been an accidental tinkle from someone’s twinkle, the covers slip off easily for a rinse and machine wash.
We have the cotton covers. Our cat has made a couple of pulls in the fabric however he more often uses the play couch to snooze on rather than as a scratching area.
If you are concerned about how your cat scratching may affect your play couch, the microsuede covers are reportedly more resilient as the fabric contains no loops. That being said, they are not scratch-proof.
To encourage your problematic feline to stay off your play couch, perhaps consider laying sheets of aluminum foil across it when the couch first arrives. Cats do not like foil. They don’t like the way it sounds. They don’t like the way it feels. Foil is not going to hurt them, it is merely a deterrent. Creating an unpleasing association with the new addition to the home could be a way to prevent your cat from claiming the play couch as theirs.
After a couple of weeks, reuse the foil to transform your play couch into a futuristic space adventurer!
What materials are used to make a Whatsie
All foam used in Whatsies is certified CertiPUR-US®, which is a premium benchmark for foam safety.
Since it’s certified, you can safely know that your Whatsie play couch is free of
- formaldehyde
- phthalates
- mercury
- lead
- PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEPC flame retardants
The foam is made without ozone deleters and is environmentally innovative too!
Is the foam safe?
Absolutely- yes the foam is safe.
What sizes are Whatsies available in?
Essentially, Whatsies are available in three designs.
| Play Couch | Base | Base | Arm Rest | Trapezium |
| Original |
The Base: Two thick connected pieces of foam 168cm x 15cm x 84cm |
The Top: Two thinner, connected pieces of foam 168cm x 7.5cm x 84cm |
2 x Rectangular Prism Cushions: Two rectangular cushions 15cm x 25cm x 80cm |
2 x Trapezium Prism Cushions: Top 15cm/bottom 35cm (w) x 33cm (h) x 60cm (l) |
| Duo |
2 x The Base: Two thick connected pieces of foam 168cm x 15cm x 84cm |
– |
2 x Rectangular Prism Cushions: Two rectangular cushions 15cm x 25cm x 80cm |
2 x Trapezium Prism Cushions: Top 15cm/bottom 35cm (w) x 33cm (h) x 60cm (l) |
| Mini |
4 x Side Panels: 84cm (L) x 50cm (W) x 12.5 (H) |
1 x Middle Mat: 84cm (L) x 84cm (W) x 5cm (H) |
2 x Arm Rests: 50cm (L) x 10cm (W) x 12cm (H) |
2 x Trapezoids: 30cm (L) |
Are Whatsies NDIS approved?
Whatsies have helped so many children across Australia develop vital skills, reach milestones and stimulate movement through play through their NDIS plan.
Contact your NDIS plan manager to discuss the potential for a Whatsie being claimed through your child’s NDIS plan.
The team at Whatsie has a specific form for parents and caregivers to complete to be issued an invoice for NDIS prior to purchasing. You can access the form here.
What to do when your Whatsie arrives
Play with it!
The sooner your Whatsie is released from its box and more importantly, its vacuumed state, the better.
Upon its arrival, the vacuumed-packed play couch simply slips free from the box. Take care when removing the plastic so as not to damage the foam or covers.
When the play couch is removed from the box, it is not going to look pretty – this is normal!
It takes time to expand and reach its true shape.
If you are purchasing as a birthday gift, perhaps give it time to expand before the big day. Ask a friend or family member if they can store it to allow the couch to rise before the big day.
Remove the plastic and the foam will start to expand straight away.
While the Whatsie is ready to play straight away, it can take approximately two weeks for it to fully expand. The same can be said for the creases in the covers. These will fade over time.
A hairdryer on low heat can be used to speed up this process.
How to use a Whatsie play couch
Play couches are an opened ended resource. There are no set rules on how they are to be used or limits to their use. They provide children with limitless opportunities for
- Imaginative play
- Gross Motor Development
- Problem Solving
- Developing Resilience
- Creative Thinking
- Sensory input
- Role Play
- Social Skills
- Ordering Events
- Emotional Regulation
They inspire movement
Play couches are made to be jumped on, climbed up and over, crawled underneath, and balanced upon.
For many children, play couches have proven to be a pivotal therapy tool for whole-body learning.
Play couches can present opportunities for whole-body play which can, in turn, promote
- Core strength
- Stability
- Endurance
- Spatial Awareness
- Coordination
- Proprioception
- Vestibular Input
- Balance
They are a comfortable space for some quiet time.
Within minutes, a play couch can be transformed from an obstacle course to a snuggly hammock with a backrest at that perfect angle to support a reader being taken upon a magical journey.
They can be a spare bed for sleepovers.
Whether it’s a weekend sleepover with friends or just crashing in their parent’s room during a scary storm, a play couch can become a space for a good night’s rest.
A Whatsie is a functional, stylish piece of furniture. And then, it is also practical, durable play equipment.
Whether your Whatsie is in a designated playroom or camouflaged in the main living area of your home, this Aussie favourite combines the refined aesthetics of modern furniture with the fun and dependability of soft play equipment.
Can you use a play couch as a bed?
Yes, a Whatsie can be used as a temporary bed.
Simply slip a single bed sheet over the top and you are good to go!
Play couch bases make for great landing mats for when transitioning little ones from their cots into their first bed. Even with the safety rails, some kids still manage to end up on the floor. The soft base cushions would break their fall by night before heading back to their day job back in the playroom.
Benefits of having a Whatsie play couch
Downtime is important.
The recipe for healthy kids has long been
- Eat healthy foods
- Drink water
- Be Active
- Get Rest
Whatsie is the perfect space to enjoy quiet time either with the company, remembering their day or having alone time with a favourite book, or listening to music. The fabrics are soft and comfortable, and the cushions can be arranged for optimum support. Whatsie does relax time well.
Benefits of active play at home
As a Mum of active children, I do tend to celebrate the benefits a Whatsie has on active play.
For a few reasons too.
- Kids are wired to learn through movement. There are so many benefits to learning through active play. The learning centre of the brain, known as the hippocampus increases in size during active play. Not only that but the pre-frontal cortex is also stimulated with whole-body activity. Why is this relevant? Gross motor engagement increases improved academic performance. Getting kids moving enhances attention and memory both of which are vital for learning.
- Provides opportunities. Research has shown that for some children, motor coordination is not a skill set that may develop with maturation. Environmental factors and the people children spend time with can have a determining role in the development of important motor skills. Providing your child with the tools to develop these skills is a huge part of their journey. A play couch offers so much potential for developing so many motor skills and other foundational skill sets.
- Physical health and wellbeing. Children who engage in active play in their early years are more likely to retain an active lifestyle as adults. Children who adopt a low physical activity or sedentary play style are more likely to become inactive adults. This, in turn, increases the risks of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Encouraging active play at home is a step to creating healthy, sustainable patterns of activity for your children to carry with them into adulthood.
Where can a Whatsie be purchased?
Whatsies are available exclusively through their website – with free shipping Australia-wide!
Whatsie play couch discount code
The team at Whatsie has kindly given us a coupon code to share!
Use ‘PLAYINSPIREDMUM’ at the checkout to save 10% off the website wide including play couches, add-ons, and covers!
Why we chose Whatsie
When having a play couch at home in Australia became a reality for us, I was overwhelmed. There was a sudden surge in the market and within what seemed no time at all there were so many brands available for families.
This, for some, is a blessing. So many choices!
I was overwhelmed. From a little research, I discovered a huge number of brands all claiming to be the best.
Now, I am all about the research.
So, for this reason. I took a big breath and jumped down the rabbit hole.
This is how the article ‘Best Play Couch In Australia‘ was born.
For me, it was learning the ins and outs of the brands and then determining what was best for my family.
After a huge amount of deliberation and research, pro and con lists (Yup, I’m a Rory. Snaps for you if you understand what that means!) and identifying what I value for my family.
The determining factors were
- Functionality Whatsie had the six cushions in the original play couch combination, in different sizes, and shapes.
- Safety The fabrics and foam are all of high standards, free of toxins
- Cleaning Kids make a mess. It’s a given. Our play couch needed to be easy to clean
- Affordability The balance between quality and price met beautifully with Whatsie. This was affirmed when friends who have both a Whatsie and a higher-priced play couch expressed their love for both equally. Whatsie also ships Australia-wide for free when other brands have a shipping fee for each item shipped.
Is a Whatsie play couch worth it?
Our Whatsie has been the best investment I have made for my children’s play space and development. I write this with a trio between the ages of 21 months and 8 1/2 years. Each child gains from interaction with our play couch each and every day. They are three unique personalities, each with different needs and abilities. Yet, they all benefit from this versatile piece of play equipment.
How we Whatsie
Mr 21 months uses the pieces to climb, relying on the builds to support himself. He loves hiding in builds. This includes little cubbies, castles, cafes, and shops. One of his favourite builds is a castle with the wedge in position for him to roll down.
Miss 5 is our go-go bunny who craves movement. She has more bounce in her than there are stars in the sky. She loves using the base cushions as landing zones doing jumps and flips off her mini-trampoline. Her favourite builds are obstacle courses and landings for her rough and tumble play style.
It has been a relief to help her channel her energy into appropriate uses rather than bouncing on furniture.
Miss 8 enjoys setting up cafes, shops, and comfortable spots to read. It is also really rewarding watching her set up builds that she thinks her siblings will enjoy.
We have had our Whatsie for the better part of 7 months now. It has taken a whole lot of use and still looks as good as new.
Miss 5 and Miss 8 are both able to maneuver the cushions into place as they please.
Our fabric choice
The cotton fabric is grippy enough that it holds the builds well while still being comfortable to sit upon.
I have had moments of questioning whether the lighter colour was the best choice with kids however even cleaning the Whatsie has been a breeze. I was concerned when a little Miss practiced writing her name on a few cushions with a ballpoint pen. This is the only mark I had trouble lifting. Then a friend suggested Glen 20. I kid you not, it worked. A quick spray and rub with a dry tea towel and the biro lifted almost effortlessly.
Our Whatsie has been all that I had hoped it would be and more. It is exciting to think of what this incredible resource is going to bring in the future.
